I'm doing some way future planning for a vacation, and am thinking of going to Hawaii. Just a few facts: going with another person who has never been, I've been once, not certain of dates, would stay between 10-14 days, moderate budget, Oahu definetely on the itinerary.

Now, my dilema: When I went to Hawaii it was 1981 and I went to Oahu and Maui. I absolutely loved Maui and had always hoped to return. However, I've had people who have gone recently tell not to bother, as it isn't the same island I experienced. In '81, Maui was still pretty much "undiscovered" - no traffic, few tourists, very quiet, very peaceful. I remember the beach outside of our hotel as being practically empty every day we were there. Lahaina was picturesque. I've heard this is no longer the case, or people are shocked to hear that Maui was once this way.

So, what's the scoop? Those who have traveled over a long time to Hawaii, specifcally Maui - has it changed all that much? Has it become more crowded? Also, I've heard the road to Hana is less curvy and more tame now. True?

I'm just trying to get a general feel for how Maui is today, as opposed to the way it was.

Some love it some hate it.
Just like some love Los Angeles, some hate it
Some love NYC, I hate it
Some love Houston, some hate it

And on and on and on.
You have to decide but it is completely different than 20 or even 8 years ago

I think you are going to find that Maui has changed considerably since 1981.

Still that would be an island I would pick for Jan, WHALE SEASON!!! You won't face too many crowds that time but you will still need to beet the car trail on the road to Hana.

Just get 1981 expectations out of your head. For a reality check on development rent "from here to enternity" Oahu and Waikiki in particular look like Maui in that film, not the story today. The development on Maui has not been that dramatic but it is bound to be somewhat of a let down if you have 1981 images in your head.

I know the images I have in my head of Kauai from 1994 are drastically different than what the place is today. Probably a bit of embelishment in my mind but I remember a lot less development.

There is hardly a place on the planet that has not changed a lot in the past 20 years. I went to Maui about 20 years ago and also in 2001. Yes, it has changed. Lots more traffic, lots more hotel and resort development, especially north of Lahaina and in Kihei. I still think it is a wonderful place, and your friend who has never been there will not have the comparison to sour his/her opinion.

Maui Na Ka Oi!

Thanks for the replies! I suppose we would all like to have our favorite spots remain unchanged over the years, and that is unrealistic.

Marilyn, thanks for reminding me that my friend will probably her own fantastic memories to savor, over thinking only of myself. I needed that!

Marilyn I do think places are not changing as quickly as Hawaii. Residents on each of the islands are constantly ensnarled with development projects, fighting mainland businesses and politicians that are in bed them.

Certainly not saying don't go but I am saying what is happening to Hawaii is devastating. I think we can all remember when Maui was the prized isle now turn on any news on Kauai covering the latest gated community venture and you will hear citizens fighting saying things like "do we really want Kauai to turn into another Maui?". It never stops either, constant battles to stop development in areas that should be national parks!

Just don’t think we should understate what is happening in Hawaii it is not the same as development anywhere else, it is precious natural beauty being turned into golf course and vacation condos, native communities being forced out economically. More Hawaiians in California than in all five islands of Hawaii. That is not happening everywhere.

Sorry to rant just feel that this needed to be said.

My advice is to continue planning your
trip to Maui. We have been there 5X since 1991. Yes, it has changed, but it
is still heaven on earth. Each time we go, we encourage people to go with us. We have gone with our parents, our children and several of our good friends. No one has ever been disappointed.

Five islands of Hawaii ? Jack, aren't there six major Hawaiian islands ?

Michele -

We've been to Hawaii on a regular basis since about 1985. Yep, it's changed alot - our favorite place was Kona, on the Big Island, but it's really grown and lost alot of it's charm. Maui too, has grown significantly, as has Kauai.

If you're interested in a more traditional, less touristy Hawaii, you might want to look into visiting Molokai or Lanai. We were on Molokai several years ago and it was a completely different experience from the other islands. The beaches were completely empty and as tourists, we were the exception, not the norm.

Although Kauai has grown as well, it is still possible to get away from it all. When in Kauai, we like to stay at individually owned cottages. we've found some very nice, reasonably priced cottages online using Google.

If you want to get away from the crowds of the major resorts on Maui, you might consider staying on Napili Bay - this is where we always stay. It's north of Lahaina and Kaanapali, and just south of Kapalua. There are only about half a dozen low rise condo complexes located on Napili Bay - none of them taller than a palm tree. We've stayed at Napili Sunset, The Napili Bay, and Hale Napili. While only a short drive from the more toursity areas, Napili Bay feels secluded, less crowded, and the beach is fantastic. Many of the condos are right on the beach, so you're just steps from the ocean.

We stopped visited Ohau many years ago as it was just too crowded for our tastes, but since you're set on going there, you might want to consider staying at the Turtle Bay Hilton on the north shore. Just a thought......

Hope this helps!